For the last 3 years, I’ve had the beautiful opportunity of capturing weddings at Serenity Cottage on Georgian Bay near Owen Sound, and I’m excited to be invited back again this June! In the meantime, I wanted to share Mary & Casey’s fall wedding shot last October with you, and all the other wonderful couples looking for some cottage wedding inspiration.
Speaking of inspiration, Mary & Casey were kind enough to share their story with me, hoping it helps inspire the perfect day, just like they had while being surrounded by their close family and friends.
1. Tell me your story / How did you meet?
“Casey and I met in University and had a close friendship for several years before we started dating. It took us a little while to figure out that our friendship could be even better if we just dated and eventually got married. We have been a couple for four years now, and have known each other for a decade. Last year, we decided to pick up our lives and move to the Yukon Territory to have an adventure. Casey proposed to me on top of a mountain in Kluane National Park our first month in the Yukon which was a beautifully surreal experience, and we have been soaking up our new life in the mountains together ever since. “
2. What was your favourite moment from your wedding at Serenity Cottage?
“We have a few! From my mom surprising us by piping us in to dinner, and the sun coming out during the ceremony and while we signed our registry on what had been an otherwise blustery day, I think a favourite moment for both of us was having a slow dance at the very end of the night. Casey’s niece put on a slow song, and every person there danced with their partner or spouse. It felt wonderful to steal a second dance as husband and wife and look around and see everyone else- newlyweds to couples who had been married for 40 years- dancing with us.”
3. Do you have any wedding planning advice for newly engaged couples?
“If you can plan it from the same province/territory that would be a great start! Planning our wedding from across the country definitely made it more challenging but if we can do it from the Yukon, you can make it happen anywhere. Make sure that you are planning a wedding that is meaningful to both of you – if your partner is excited about planning certain aspects of the day, then go with it, as the day ends up having more memorable details when you both put your heart into it. One of the biggest things we learned to do while planning our wedding from afar was asking for and accepting help from friends and family. We will never forget how amazing our friends and family were in coming together and helping us create the perfect day. We would never have been able to make it happen alone. “
4. How did you choose your wedding photographer?
“We were looking at a blog of another wedding that had taken place at Serenity cottage and immediately fell in love with the candid photos. Before meeting Christine, it was obvious through the photos that she is a great photographer as everyone in the photos was smiling, laughing and appeared genuinely comfortable and like they were having a great time. That is exactly how our day went- we were cracking up like good friends and we forgot that we had literally just met. “
If you’re looking for a cottage style / waterfront venue for your wedding, I highly suggest checking out Serenity Cottage. While it means bringing all your favourite vendors to you, I’m sure none of us mind – I know I’m always up for a road trip! In fact, there’s a list of vendors listed below who would totally help make it happen!
Special thanks to these amazing vendors:
Caterer – The Kitchen Meaford – https://www.thekitchenmeaford.com/
Florist – Leuk Florals – http://leukbijhermas.ca/
Hair – Mane Street Hair Salon (Owen Sound) – https://manestreetsalonandspa.ca/
Makeup – Makeup by Lee – https://makeupbylee.com/
Dress – https://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/
Muscians – Keira McArthur (Cellist)